Trent Bridge

Featured News | 9th June 2009

Sidebottom ready for South Africa challenge

Nottinghamshire fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom can’t wait to play in front of his home crowd at Trent Bridge as England prepare for their Super 8 clash with South Africa in the ICC World Twenty20.

The 31-year-old expects a passionate home support to get right behind the team for the mouth-watering match, the second in a double-header of games on Thursday.

New Zealand play Ireland at 1.30pm before England take on the Proteas at 5.30pm, and Sidebottom said: “Every time I’ve played for England at Trent Bridge the atmosphere has been amazing but I think this game could be something else.

“I’ve always received great support from home fans and in the warm-up game against Scotland I got a great round of applause, which I very much appreciated.

“But playing in front of a full house for a Twenty20 game of this nature should be incredible. There’s a lot of interaction with the crowd and they are always prepared to cheer on fours, sixes and wickets.”

The 6ft 4in left-armer admitted England’s performance against the Netherlands in the tournament opener had not been up to scratch and that South Africa would provide their stiffest test so far.

But he added: “I think the Netherlands result gave us a big kick up the backside and really made us focus on what needed to be done.

“We hadn’t done enough with the bat in the second half of that innings, and our fielding wasn’t good enough - we missed six run-outs - and we’re all determined not to repeat those kind of mistakes.

“South Africa are in fine form with the bat and have some quality bowlers as well. But with home support we’ll be up for the challenge. It’s important we get off to a good start in the Super 8’s if we want to push for the semi-finals.”

There are still a limited number of tickets remaining for the matches on Thursday June 11. Tickets are available from the official ICC website and the ticket hotline 0844 847 2020.

You can also purchase tickets from the Trent Bridge Ticket Office on 0870 168 8888.